This discussion will go round and round forever, because the bargin hunters and wise shoppers will never agree. First the 100 tip has been the norm for as long as anyone can tell me. I learned very early that the girls anticipate a little more, whether they ask you for more or not.
On the first visit with a provider it helps if you give the tip upfront with the house fee. along with a little extra. All I know is giving a little extra tip goes a long way to making your provider happy. Funny thing is the happier they are, it's amazing the better they treat you. This is just common sense. Why would you not want to get the best service possible from a particular provider?
You can tell after the first visit if this approach helped. If not, then it is time to try someone else next time. And the worse that happened is you are out a little extra tip.
If you always bargin hunt, you may never see the whole menu. Then just be happy with what ever they serve. So if that's cool with you then no need to go to other than a fast food joint.
As for scheduling ahead , I never just walk in without a reservation. It's kind of like going to a restaurant without one. You may get stuck in the corner next to the bathroom, tucked away where the server forgets you are there. To get the best table they will save one if they know you are coming.
Especially at a spa that knows you are a good customer, they will honor your reservation for a specific provider. If you are a repeat customer with her and especially if she knows you are a little more generous she will be happy to wait for you.
On the other hand if not one of her prefered customer's happens to pop in, then you may get bumped. Did you ever think there may be a reason you have trouble making an appointment?
Even at a new spa with a new provider it depends on how you speak with the MMS. If you are friendly and engage the MMS with a little conversation, I found the girl I reserved was there waiting.
I have had these discussions many times, so I know, no matter how I feel about this subject, I cannot change anyone's opinion on it. So you have to decide on your own what works best for you.
For me, knowing I can make the girls a little happier with a little extra tip and other things I do makes me feel happy too. And in return, they usually make me feel better.
Afrer all there is more to this hobby than just boom boom.